Rice Lake is a city in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 4,112 at the 2020 census.
Main routes include Rice Lake Road (County Road 4) and Martin Road (County Road 9).
Rice Lake Road runs north–south, and Martin Road runs east–west. Other routes include Howard Gnesen Road, Arnold Road, Calvary Road, West Tischer Road, and West Beyer Road.
History
Rice Lake was founded as a township in 1870.
After portions of the township had been annexed by the city of Duluth, the residents began the process to be recognized as a city.
In an election held on October 13, 2015, Rice Lake residents elected a mayor and members of the city council.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of ; is land and , or 3.43%, is water.
Wild Rice Lake is partially located within the city of Rice Lake, giving it its name.
Amity Creek and the East Branch of Amity Creek both flow through the city.
The Lester River rises in nearby Gnesen Township and flows generally southeastwardly through the city of Rice Lake and Lakewood Township, turning southward as it nears Lake Superior. The river flows into Lake Superior in eastern Duluth.
Adjacent townships, cities, and communities
The following are adjacent to Rice Lake:
- Canosia Township (west)
- Lakewood Township (east)
- Gnesen Township (north)
- Fredenberg Township (northwest)
- Normanna Township (northeast)
- The city of Duluth (south)
- The neighborhood of Duluth Heights (south)
- The neighborhood of Kenwood (south)
- The neighborhood of Woodland (southeast)
The Duluth International Airport is to the immediate southwest of the city of Rice Lake.
Ridgeview Road runs east–west along Rice Lake's southern boundary line with adjacent city of Duluth.
Lismore Road runs east–west along Rice Lake's northern boundary line with adjacent Gnesen Township.
Jean Duluth Road (County Road 37) runs north–south along Rice Lake's eastern boundary line with adjacent Lakewood Township; except for the southeast corner of Rice Lake where both Arnold Road and Martin Road together serve as the boundary line with adjacent city of Duluth.
Town Line Road briefly runs north–south along Rice Lake's western boundary line with adjacent Canosia Township.